Category Archives: Pontification On Things That Shouldn't Concern Me

Make no mistake- I think Pitchfork is the most pretentiously douchey (music) publication that has ever existed. But that doesn’t stop me from hate-reading it daily and, even occasionally agreeing with their opinions. This has been especially true over the last several months- Phoenix, Sunn O))), Dinosaur Jr., Mos Def, Isis, Japandroids, and Bat For Lashes have all received their “Best New Music” certification (admittedly, anyone should think these are excellent records, BECAUSE THEY ARE. So it’s not like I’m applauding Pitchfork’s ability to not avoid the fish filling it’s barrel to the brim). Continue reading →

[When I originally wrote this, the Buddyhead website was down (way down), but, merely a day or two after I clicked “Post,” theyre back (way back). Even with a new gossip post! It’s like 2002 all over again! So, in short, THEY WIN.]

Because there are a few people that do it far better (and far less annoyingly).If you’re interested, check these out (in no particular order):Buddyhead– the original and best. They’ve mellowed out (at least in terms of spending time on the internet), but have always been unstoppable. Much to the chagrin of their enemies (countless), they actually know what they are talking about and have great tast in music (I’m willing to forgive the Oasis-worship, dudes). For god’s sake, they’re language artists, brah. Stereogum– All around top quality (and it’s sister site, Videogum, is one of the best sites of any category, ever) Idolator– Interesting articles, less news-reporty than Stereogum or BV. An Aquarium Drunkard– Low post volume, but of the absolute highest quality, musically, aesthetically, and writing-wise. Stunningly good.

So read their blog: The National Hustle.Hopefully googlers don’t get it confused with the fantastic line dance “The Nashville Hustle-” which was created in the 70’s after George Jones, hard up for bourbon cash, started covering Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony. The rest, as they say, is history.As long as Matt continues to “lean” to the “left,” and as long as Camo keeps his writing reminiscent of his storied Crimson Chronicle past, I will keep their blog on my link list.

I was watching Dave Chappelle’s Block Party (again) the other day and I realized two things:

1. Lauren Hill is certainly the best female singer in modern music. Seriously- her voice is amazing, easily ahead of Beyonce (sorry Beyonce, no time to hunt-and-peck for your accent marks), Christina Aguilera (whose voice has like, zero personality), and Alicia Keys (she comes in second place, bolstered by her friendship with Jack White). However- I can’t stand her! I don’t know why. I love the Fugees, but she drives me nuts for some reason- maybe because she is rather nuts herself.

2. It’s a serious bummer living in a world where Dave Chappelle is still in virtual hiding. I know he has/had a lot of shit on his mind- but come say hi once in a while Dave! Even an Oprah appearance would be welcome.

Long forgotten webzines:Suck dot com: I didnt make that a link because the site hasn’t been around for years, and I didn’t want to inadvertently trick anyone into clicking a porn link. I’m not sure that it is a porn link, but I’m at work and don’t want to find out [edit: the site is still there! Thanks wikipedia!]. Anyways, Suck was a back-in-the-day internet site that I thought was funny in my 14.4 dialup netscape days. I was just telling Dawn how my mom was dissatisfied with me because I had a graphic from the site as my desktop on my OG computer. Anywho, it was a picture of 2 socks with a sign that said “Live Fast, Die Young.” Needless to say, I don’t think she (my mom) got it. “They’re socks, mom!” I said. There was also a little blurb on the AV Club on how a bunch of their articles were made into a book. [Note: an (probably not) exhaustive google image search failed to retrieve said socks.]

Hating on the Weather:Really? 94 degrees in the middle of November? Southern California, you’re a dick. Just a I had decided to embrace the whole “Christmas decorations start even more incredibly earlier” thing, it becomes July again. [Note: This was originally gonna be a “Music for Winter” post, but I need a few days of sub-70 degree weather to get back in the mood.]

Junk Mail: my truest, in every since of the phrase, Love/Hate Relationship. Sure, it’s one of the hugest ass-pains in modern society, but without it, where would we get gems like this one (allegedly from “GOPUSA Friends”):Subject: “Chuck Norris To America: Wake Up!”Of course, I didn’t open the message, but did I really need to? Nah. It says EVERYTHING in that subject line. I love that I’m even on the (obviously purchased) mailing list for these supposed “GOPUSA Friends.” It takes away the need to gloat.